Looking at labs: Independent embraces advantages of flexibility

While many manufacturers in the optical sector are located on functional industrial estates, Focus Optical Laboratories enjoys green and leafy surroundings at Priory Farm, outside of Redhill in Surrey.

‘We set up here in 2000 so it will be 16 years in October,’ says Matthew Byrne, managing director and owner of Focus Optical Laboratories. ‘At the time we were the first business to take up residence here but now there are about 10 others doing various things. I originally set up with a partner but he stopped playing an active role when he moved to Australia in 2006. About two years ago I began the process of buying him out and today I solely own the company.’